Painting system



July 22, 1969 J. w. BASTIA'N 3,457,017

PAINTING- SYSTEM Filed March 1, 1966 s Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG. 3 F|G.5

inventor JAMES W. BASTIAN FlG. 4 attorney July 22, 1969 J. w, BASMN 3,457,017

PAINTING SYSTEM Fild March 1, 1966 '5 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG.

inventor JAMES W. BASTIAN attorney July 22, 1969' J. W. BASTIAN PAINTING SYSTEM 3 Sheets-$heet 3 Filed March 1,1966

inventor JAMES W. BASTIAN by W attorney United States Patent Ice 22 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A system for transporting paint from a paint container to a wall, ceiling or other work surface with minimal physical effort including a tubular feed member insertable into the paint container, a manually manipulatable internally fed paint applicator, fiexible hose having a compressible section and interconnected between the feed member and the paint applicator for supplying paint to the applicator at a location remote from the container, electrically controlled peristaltic pumping means associated with the compressible hose section intermediate the feed member and the paint applicator, electrical control means including switch means for selectively actuating the pumping means, and means for attaching the switch means to the hose in the vicinity of the paint applicator. The system may include a tubular feed member storable in the paint container when not in use, a relatively rigid section in the hose for prevention of autogeneous pumping by the hose, hose end closure elements for containing paint in the hose when not in use, and a spigot adapter for washing the hose. Roller and flat paint applicators may be employed, which have nipple portions for attaching the hose. A spring biased clamp serves to detachably clamp the hose to a nipple portion. An extension handle may be employed with the applicator, and clip members may be provided on the handle to hold the hose thereagainst.

This invention relates generally to painting systems and by which paint flow may be rapidly, effectively and automatically delivered from a relatively stationary paint reservoir to a paint applicator with minimal physical effort and substantially no mess.

The advent of the roller applicator to the painting arts constituted a major advance in the methodology of applying paint to Walls, ceilings, floors and like surfaces. But the roller applicator, while possessing many highly desirable features, did not solve all the problems plaguing the painter and, indeed, brought to the art new problems which had not previously existed.

Some of the problems left unresolved by the introduction of the roller applicator include that of painter fatigue and the ineflicient rate of paint application caused by the painter having to stoop and manually refill the paint applicator from a paint reservoir which was separate and independent thereof.

In addition, the messiness which had plagued the brush painter and which manifested itself by paint in and on the rim and on the sides of the original point-of-purchase container, continued with the advent of the roller applicator because the roller system requires paint to be poured or spilled-over from the point-of-purchase container into a separate paint pan or reservoir with the resultant drip.

Additional messiness inevitably resulted from the in- 3,457,017 Patented July 22, 1969 advertant spillage of paint out of the paint pan or reservoir, either because of over-filling or because the system required the reservoir to be placed relatively close to where the painter was working and this was especially prone to accidental spillage, particularly when the painter was working from scaffolding and ladder and the like.

A further problem arises from the drip and splatter which inevitably accompanies painting with roller applicators, especially on the work surface and surrounding floor areas, because of the almost universal tendency to overload the applicator in an effort to reduce the frequency of trips from the paint supply to the work surface and back again.

Still another problem confronting the painter, whether he uses brush or roller applicators, is the great waste of the paint by accumulation on the rim and outside surfaces of the point-of-purchase container, both from dipping the applicator thereinto and by pouring paint therefrom. To a degree, waste occurs also in and on the paint applicator itself. Further, the user of the auxiliary containers, such as mixing buckets, roller pans, cofiee cans and the like, further creates waste because these vessels are exceedingly difiicult to completely empty once they contain paint.

The user of roller applicators encounters still further difiiculties when he attempts to paint high walls and ceilings because he finds himself between the Scylla of juggling the roller applicator and paint pan precariously atop a ladder or scaffolding and the Charybdis of attempting to refill an applicator which is disposed at the very end of a long and unwieldly extension handle.

A still further problem encountered by the user of brush and roller applicators arises when he must stop painting, either because of an interruption or because his particular project is completed. At this point, the paint must be returned to the original container, the container rescaled, and the applicator and auxiliary vessels, such as the paint pan, must be thoughly cleaned.

Other specific problems could be enumerated but it would appear that the foregoing adequately defines the great existing need to find a better way to get paint from its point-of-purchase container onto the surface to be painted.

Several proposals have been advanced to solve some or many of the foregoing problems. For instance it has been proposed to provide a roller applicator with an internal chamber into which paint can be poured and from which the roller will be fed by the rolling movement of the applicator during use.

A variant of this proposal has appeared and it comprises a roller applicator having a detachable plastic squeeze bottle for a handle. The bottle, when filled with paint, functions as a paint reservoir and the paint is moved therefrom into the roller by squeezing the bottle.

Neither of these proposals has worked out too well because both created new problems which tended to be more irritating than those they solved. For instance, if

the time it takes to apply all of the material from a single roller fill is considered as one paint period, these proposals require the operator to lift, hold and manipulate, at the start of the period, the entire weight of the paint supply for the whole paint period. Further, refilling the reservoir by hand, whether it'be in the roller itself or in the handle, is difficult to control and leads inevitably to a great deal of mess and waste.

-. Another proposalby the equipment manufacturers involves the use of compressed air to move paint from a pressurizable reservoir to a roller applicator through a flexible hose connected therebetween. This proposal suffers from deficiencies of basic design in that the rate of paint flow is dependent upon three separate factors, namely, (a) the head defined by the elevation of the applicator relative to the reservoir (under normal conditions, this is a constantly varying factor), (b) the real viscosity of the paint, and (c) the length of hose to be traveled by the paint. Furthermore, the operator of such systems must frequently return to the pressurized reservoir wherever it may be located and recharge it, that is, manually pump it up again, because as the supply of paint disposed within the pressurized container becomes depleted,'the volume forair in the container increases and the pressure drops.

Further, the pressurized reservoir is required to have "stringent physical requirements in order to withstand the pressure developed by the pump and to maintain an airtight seal with connecting apparatus. Further, this system requires a fine pressure balance so that it obtains sufficient pressure to insure movement of paint to the applicator but not so great a pressure as to cause the paint to be literally shot or sprayed at the applicator.

The valve controlling the flow of paint in and through the hose of these pressure tank systems also tends to be inconvenient because its need to withstand pressure requires it to be permanently located in a fixed position relative to the system. Thus, if it is positioned so that it is convenient to the operator when he is working at the applicator, it is grossly mislocated and very inconvenient for the operator when he is working with an extension handle. On the other hand, if the valve is permanently positioned so that it is convenient to the operator when he is working with an extension handle, it is grossly out of position for the operator when he is working at the roller. The cost of the valves precludes the installation of two in the system so that basic inconvenience persists.

Cleaning the air-pressurized reservoir and hose equipment is also complicated and time consuming. For instance, before any of it can be cleaned, the reservoir must be free of paint or, if paint remains inthe reservoir, the airpressure in the reservoir must first be reduced to atmospheric pressure by bleeding. Then, the pressure cover is removed, the paint withdrawn from the reservoir, the reservoir cleaned and filled with a suitable paint dissolving solvent, the pressure cover replaced on the reservoir, and the reservoir pressure built back up. Only after all this, can

the hose now be cleaned as by opening the valve and permitting pressurized solvent to pass through it.

From the foregoing, it becomes apparent that while the designers of painting equipment and systems have exerted an elfort to solve the many problems plaguing the painting trade, they have not succeeded. Thus, a real need still exists for a system which will solve these problems and therebyv greatly improve the art of painting.

Before discussing my own solution to the several problems described, one other attack on the problem should be mentioned and that is the solution proposed by the paint formulators themselves in the development of thixiotropic paints.

The thixiotropic paints, that is, those gel-like paints which are characterized by enhanced internal cohesion, do substantially reduce dripping. However, the weight of a roller loaded Withthixiotropic paint is substantially greater than the weight of a roller loaded with old fashioned drippy paint whereupon the painter using these paints not only must still move a loaded applicator from the can or pan to the work surface, including all of the bending and lifting he hoped to avoid, he must now handle a much heavier load. Thus, while thixiotropic paints do make a major contribution in reducing spatter, they do not solve the problem of painter fatigue, but instead increase it. Of course, thixiotropic paints have the still further disadvan- 4 tage in that they, because of-the special ingredients, are substantially more expensive than ordinary paint.

Thus, it becomes further apparent that even the attempt of the paint formulators to solve the several problems associated with the application of paint leave much room for improvement.

The present invention provides novel and unique solution to problems described above, without, at the same time introducing new and equally annoying problems as have inevitably occurred with prior art proposals.

My invention is especially predicated upon my development of a novel and unique painting system which. utilizes, in combination, a unique input or feeding device which is insertable into an original point-of-purchase container (paint can) and is directly connctable'by means of an elongated flexible hose arrangement to a paint applicator, and includes, operatively associated with the hose, between the paint can and the paintapplicator, a peristaltic pumping device which acts'upon the hose to actuate the paint disposed therein to easily and quickly deliver the paint from the container to the applicator. Furthermore, my invention introduces'to the art a unique supplementary container for paint which permits the paint so contained to be instantly and readily available for application to a work surface and also permits surprise interruptions in the painting process to be accepted cheerfully and with good grace because of the ease with which the container can be withdrawn from service without requiring extensive cleanup. Further, my invention includes a special control system which permits the operator of the system to exercise accurate and complete control of the system from where he is painting and he does not have to return to the paint container to effect adjustment and control in order to continue his work. Finally, my invention embraces certain novel attachments for use in my system which cooperate therewith to greatly facilitate both the application of paint so selected work surfaces as well as the quick and easy clean up of the system. All of these attributes will become quite clear from the description presented below.

Accordingly, it is a prime object of the present invention to provide a new and novel painting system which significantly enhances the rate of paint application while substantially reducing painter fatigue and is characterized by ease and neatness of its operation, including startup and shut-down, and which substantially completely eliminates all of the problems which have heretofore characterized prior art systems.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved painting system which enables the painter to maintain a substantially near-optimal paint flow to, and paint load on, a paint applicator throughout its use while eliminating dripping, which results from overfilling, and extreme painter fatigue, which results from the repeated bending and lifting movements.

, A further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved painting system which eliminates the pouring of paint to and from the original point-ofpurchase container, whereupon a clean rim is maintained, and hence a proper seal for the paint can, as long as it may be desired.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved painting system which eliminates the drip and waste which characterized prior art systems, which permits the use of the point-of-purchase container without repeated movement of the container, which avoids the requirement of auxiliary pans andcontainer, and which completely eliminates open paint transfer and, consequently, the opportunity for acciden tally spilling paint during the operation thereof.

Still anotherobject of the present invention is to" provide a new and improved system which substantially'reduces the difficulties of painting high'walls, ceilings or other hard-to-get-at places by permitting the use of a roller applicator mounted on a long extension handle without requiring that the applicator be repeatedly returned to a reservoir for reloading.

Another important object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved painting system whereby a painter may automatically and selectively move paint from the original point-of-purchase container to a paint applicator disposed some distance therefrom without extreme physical exertion and while maintaining the trans ported paint isolated relative to its ambient air.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a novel paint containerwhich can be readily placed in and withdrawn from a paint system to provide easy storage and rapid color changeover, which can be readily evacuated when desired and later reused, and which enables interruptions to be suffered, with only minimal system clean up being required.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide an improved system for transporting paint from an original container to a paint applicator in which the rate of paint flow is substantially independent of paint viscosity, height of the applicator above the paint source, and length of hose connecting the paint source to the applicator.

' Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved paint system which includes readily relocatable means for controlling the flow of paint so that the means may always be with or convenient to the painter and may be readily adapted for use with a variety of paint applicators for painting with speed and dispatch.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a paint system having a unique input or feed tube for use in a point-of-purchase container and which is of such dimension that when it is detached from the flexible hose, can be left in the container, even when the container is rescaled.

Another object of the present invention is to provide novel means for locking a paint applicator into a paint system which means are easy to operate and inexpensive to produce.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a novel attachment for use therewith for obtaining quick and easy purging of residual paint therefrom.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved painting system which incorporates therein extension means for use with ceilings, stairwells, and high walls and provides handy selective control means which avoids the operators return to his paint supply except to replace empty containers or to change colors.

These and such further objects as shall hereinafter appear are readily fulfilled by the present invention in a remarkedly unexpected manner as will be readily discerned from the following detailed description thereof, especially when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like members bear like numerals throughout the several views in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric showing, partially diagrammatic, of a painting system embodying the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation partially broken for clarity of an original point-of-purchase paint container and feed tube as employed in the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation of an alternative feed tube for use with the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-section taken along the line 1V-IV in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an isometric showing of the feed tube illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an isometric showing, broken for clarity, of the opposite ends of the flexible hose employed in the system of FIG. 1 having in exploded relationship thereto, the alternative closure means employed therewith;

FIG. 7 is an isometric showing of the central portion of a flexible hose arrangement in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8a is an isometric exploded showing of a special roller-type applicator for use in the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8b is an enlarged showing of a special clamping device for use with the applicator of FIG. 8a;

FIG. 9 is an isometric exploded showing of a special edger applicator for use in the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged isometric showing of the control device of the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is an isometric showing of a special device for holding the flexible hose relative to an extension handle when used in the system of FIG. 1, for cooperation with the device of FIG. 10; I

FIG. 12 is an isometric showing of another means for supporting the hose relative to an extension handle for co operation with the device of FIG. 10; and

FIG. 13 is a cross-section of a special cleaning device for use with the system of FIG. 1.

I shall now particularly describe illustrative embodiments of my invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring to FIG. 1, one embodiment of the present invention comprises a housing or carrying case 10 having a horizontal platform 12 mounted therein. Plateform 12 is provided with an arcuate cut-out portion 13 at one end thereof which, as shall be seen, complements the outer contour of a conventional point-of-purchase paint container such as a gallon paint can 14 which, when seated in the bottom of housing 10, is in substantially contiguous relationship to cut-out portion 13 of platform 12.

Disposed upon and through platform 12, is a suitable peristaltic pumping device 20 comprising a rotatable impeller 21 and a platen 22 which coacts with the impeller 21 to engage a flexible hose 18 disposed therebetween. Impeller 21 is preferably driven by a conventional electrical motor (not shown) which receives its power by means of a suitable electrical conductor 23. The motor is actuatable by a remotely disposed switch 24 which is connected into the motor power circuit by an electrical connector 25. Thus, switch 24 selectively actuates the driving motor and hence impeller 21 of pump means 20.

Flexible hose 18 exends from connection with a noncollapsible feed tube 16 through pumping means 20 to connection with a suitable paint applicator 26 by means of a fitting 27. The elevation of hose 18, where it passes through pump 20 andrelative to the top of can 14, is substantially nil in my preferred construction. If this relationship is obtained, and it will always be obtained when my special housing 10 is used, the provision of a proper paint flow to pump 20 from can 14 is readily achieved. If this relationship is not obtained, theresistance to paint flow through feed tube 16 and the adjacent porion of hose 18 could tend to increase and thereby cause the feed rate of paint to the pump to be slightly less than desired.

The salient features of each of the several cooperating components of my system will now be described in detail so that the value and significance of each may be fully appreciated.

, Referring to FIGS. 2-5, the important basic features of my non-collapisible feed tube 16, as well as certain modifications which have proven desirable for special situations, will now be described.

One of the critical features of feed tube 16 is clearly shown in FIG. 2 and has to do with the relative dimensions of tube 16 relative to paint can 14. As shown, the

depth of the paint within the can, normally referred to as the original fill level, is indicated b and the diagonal dimension of the can is indicated a. In forming feed tube 16, the hollow tube is provided with a criticallength I so that l is always greater than b but is never more than, and preferably slightly less than, the dimension a. In this way, the connection of tube 16 to hose 18 will always be located above the original fill level of the paint in can 14 and yet, when hose 1-8 is disconnected from tube 16, as may be desired during an interruption of the painting operation, tube 16 can be left in and completely contaihed within paint can 14, even when can 14 is closed by having its lid in place.

FIG. 3 illustrates amodification of feed tube 16 comprising an .elongated' tubular body portion 30 having a pluralityof stabilizer members 31, 32 extending radially from and axially along tubular portion 30 in angular displaced relationship to each other. When two stabilizers are employed as shown in FIG. 4, the preferred angular displacement. between members 31, 32 will be 180 Feed tube 16 is further provided with an inwardly tapering beveled neck portion 33 which joins portion 30 with tubularhose fitting portion 34 and forms an integral structure. Portion 34.is preferably cylindrical to facilitate its engagement in hose 18 for reasons to be hereinafter explained.

' The tube 16, as'shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and more fully illustrated in FIG. 5, is especially useful with conventional water-based paints and comprises a body portion 30 having an inwardly tapering beveled neck portion 33 intermediate the. body portion 30, and cylindrical hose fitting portion 34 which connects tube 16 with flexible hose18, substantially as shown.

Flexible hose 18 may be formed as a continuous elongated tube, although I obtain especially desirable results When hose 18 comprises at least two segments, as illustrated in FIG. 7. When formed in two segments, one segment, 36, is formed of a material which is readily compressible and has good elastic memory. Segment 36 is that portion of hose 18 which extends through and is acted upon by pumping means 20.

The second segment 37 is relatively more rigid and is that portion of hose 18 which extends from the output side of pump. to the paint applicaor 26. The rigidity of segment 37 is desired so that the hose will not unduly expand and thereby delay paint to he applicaor, when the pump is actuated, and so that the hose will not unduly contract upon deactivation of the pump and thereby cause uncontrolled feeding of the applicator. I further find that relative rigidity of segment 37 is a great help in the prevention of accidental occlusions which could otherwise cause an interruption of painting. I have obtained excellent results when I form segment 36 from natural rubber and segment 37 from polyvinyl chloride or like plastic.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, segments 36, 37 of hose 18 may be joined by tubular coupling piece 38 which is telescopically inserted partially into the end of each between the thumb and forefinger and facilitates the handling thereof. Cap 41, on the other hand, has a circumscribing flange 44 which coacts with the outer surface of hose 18, when hose 18 is inserted into the annulus defined thereby, to seal the hose and prevent the egress of fluids therefrom.

As will appear from the detailed discussion of the operation of my system, the ability to easily disconnect flexible hose segment 36 from feed tube 16 by withdrawing feed tube 16 therefrom and inserting a stopper 40 or 'place cap 41 thereon, and to disconnectthe relatively rigid segment 37 from paint applicator 26 by withdrawing fitting 27l -therefrom and inserting stopper 40 thereinto or place cap 41 thereonnot only permits interruption of the painting operation to be accepted gracefully, but hose 18,

and its coacting closure, coact to define a very useful auxiliary paint container which permits easy storage of paint, without fear of oxidation. Furthermore, the use of a like conainer containing a different colored. paint permits the ready subsitution of colors in performing. a mulicolored job. w I

It becomes apparent that my system also facilitates the change of paint applicators 26 by the simple withdrawal of theapplicator fitting 27 from within hose 18 andthe insertion into hose 18 of the corresponding fitting 27 of anotherapplicator 26. I

Pumping means 20, as previously indicated, is asuitable peristaltic pump. It is contemplated that a pump of the. type described in my co-pending United States patent application Ser- No 490,982, filed Sept. 28, .1965, now US. Patent No. 3,353,491, may be used in this system although any suitable peristaltic pump maybe used herewith so long as it is capable of creating a zone of transverse constriction in hose 18 which can be transported therealong in the direction of paint applicator 26 to cause paint to flow thereto. p a

Two highly useful paint applicators developed for use with the system of this invention will now be described. It is, of course understood, that other internally fed applicators can be adapted .to the system and it is not my intention to be limited to my own applicators.

.One of my applicators is shown in FIG. 8a as general reference 45 and includes a handle portion 46 having an internally threaded bore 47 defined axially therein for receiving and securing extension handle 48 which has threads 49 defined at one end thereof. Of course, other suitable connection means can be used as desired.

The other end of applicator 45 comprises a roller member 50 mounted for rotation about a hollow shaft 51 having a plurality of radially extending apertures 52 defined therein in communication with a fluid conveying passageway 53 extending therethrough. Roller member 50 is of tubular shape and is mounted on shaft 51 by the coaction of end plates 54, 154 one each being disposed in each open end of tubular roller member 50 and having centrally defined therein, an opening 55, 155, respec tively through which shaft 51 passes. Each of the end plates 54, 154 is preferably formed of a resilient plastic and each of openings 55, is defined with a diameter slightly less than the diameter of shaft 51 so that when shaft 51 passes through each opening 55, 155, the end plates 54, 154 tightly engage the shaft 51 and coact therewith to seal the fluid-tight paint reservoir 61 defined by the roller member 50, shaft 51 and end plates 54, 154.

The relative axial movement of roller member 50 on shaft 51 is prevented by suitable restraining means such as collar 56, at the one end, and lock bolt 57 at the other, whichrespectively engage plates 54, 154 and hold them fixed relative to shaft 51. Shaft 51 is foraminous only within reservoir 61. Outside of reservoir 61, shaft 51 becomes a closed conduit 58 which is curved in a U-like configuration and extends to. hose fitting 27.

The open end 59 of the relative rigid segment 37 of hose 18 is suitably attached to fitting 27 with a clamp 60. Passageway 53 thus extends into communication with hose 18 via conduit 58 and hose fitting 27 whereupon continuous communication exists between hose 18 and paint reservoir 61.

Clamp 60 is of a unique design and warrants special mention, both because of its great usefulness in my device and its obvious potential for other applications.

As shown with particularity in FIG. 8b, the clamp is formed of good springy wire, preferably steel, and is manipulated into a configuration which can be described as an open-ended figure eight. As shown, clamp '60 comprises a first relativley straight portion 101 and'a second relatively straight portion 102 which are integrally joined by a generally circular portion 103 resulting from bending the'wire in' acurvilinear pattern until it crosses back over itself, as at 104-Each of-the portions 101, 102 terminatein an end 105, 106, respectively and are provided with suitable means such as disks107, 108 to permit the ends 105, 106 to be comfortably squeezed together between the operators thumb and forefinger whereupon the area of portion 103 is enlarged.

Accordingly, clamp 60, when disposed in circumscription about applicator fitting 27, permits hose 18 to be readily connected thereto by the operator enlarging portion 103 in the manner described and while the portion 103 is thus enlarged, slipping hose 18 therethrough into copulative engagement with fitting 27.

When hose 18 is thus positioned, the pressure on disks 107, 108 is released and the natural bias of the clamp causes them to recoil from each other and thereby reduce the area of portion 103 until the clamp tightly grips hose 18 into fitting 27 and forms a tight leak proof seal therewith.

Roller 50 is preferably constructed as an inner tube 62 and an outer tube 63, the inner tube 62 being foraminous, that is, provided with a plurality of paint permeable pore 64, and outer tube 63 being formed of a nap-bearing paint permeable fabric.

A second applicator developed by me, which is extremely useful when using my system for edging and for painting flat surfaces such as woodwork and the like, is shown in FIG. 9 and is designated by the general reference 65.

Applicator 65 comprises a generally rectangular d spensing pad 66, which may be made of any suitable paint permeable material. Pad 66 is mounted to and earned by a foraminous plaque 67 which in turn is mounted, in sandwich-like arrangement, with a rectangular resilient frame 68 and a base plate 69. Base plate 69 is provided with rearwardly extending nipple 70 which provides the fitting 27 for attaching hose 18 thereto. Clamp 60 is useful in assuring the integrity of this junction and may be employed here in the fashion already described with respect to applicator 45 if desired.

When properly assembled with resilient frame 68 interposed between plaque 67 and base plate 69 in proper registry, frame 68 coacts with plaque 67 and plate 69 to define therebetween a liquid-tight paint reservoir 71.

To maintain the several parts in their respective positions, the members are secured in a stack by use of a pair of suitable elongated spring clamps 72 (only one shown), which hold each of the side edges and similar clamps 74 which slip over and hold each of the end edges ofthe stack. Thus, an integral fluid-tight assembly, namely, applicator 65 is created having an internal reservoir 71 which, when nipple 70 is connected to hose 18 is fully communicative with paint supply 14.

As already discussed, one of the important features of my system is the provision of a remote control switch 24 which will be always convenient to the painter, irrespective of the surface upon which he is working. While switch 24 can be carried in the painters pocket, I prefer to mount it to flexible hose 18 with a special mounting bracket 81 which is illustrated in FIG. 10.

Mounting bracket 81 comprises a back plate 82 and a pair of resilient portions 83, 84 which extend downwardly therefrom in slighht converging relationship to each other and gently but firmly engage hose 18 without occluding the hose. The engagement of hose 18 can be effected at any point convenient to the operator.

Switch 24, preferably a conventional elongated pushbutton switch, is attached to back plate 82 by any suitable means such as with screws (not shown). In practice, bracket 81 will be formed of a suitable non-conductive material such as plastic and will be one piece. If convenient, bracket 81 can be cast integral with the back cover of the switch housing.

Thus, it is apparent that my system is readily controlled by the painter at the work site while the paint supply can be located some distance away.

Another bracket 87 which I developed is shown in FIG. 11 and is especially useful when applicator 45 is used with extension handle 48.

Bracket 87 comprises a generally cylindrical body portion 88 which, in use, circumscribes handle 48. Body portion 88 includes a first and second pair of spaced opposing flanges, the pairs being axially disposed from each other. The first pair, defined by flanges 89, 90, is disposed adjacent the end of handle 48 while the second pair, defined by flanges 91, 92 is disposed in spaced axial relationship therefrom, i.e., up the handle therefrom. Thus arranged, an axial distance 93 is provided between the pairs which is sufficiently long to permit switch mounting bracket 81 to be snaapped onto the section of hose between the flanges and provide a firm and sturdy mounting of switch 24 relative to handle 48 If the desired bracket 81 can be mounted elsewhere on hose 18 and bracket 87 still is useful to hold and control hose 18 axially along and generally fixed relative to the axis of handle 48.

Alternative means for holding hose 18 stationary relative to and along the longitudinal axis of handle 48 are shown in FIG. 12 and comprise a first and second clamp members 187, 188, attachable to handle 48 by suitable wood screws (not shown). Each member, for example, member 187 has a resilient upwardly curving portion 189 disposed at the free end thereof. Member 188 has a like portion 190 disposed at its free end and is in axially spaced relationship to member 187. Preferably, the curved portions 189, 190 will extend in opposite directions as shown so as to offer further resistance to lateral movement of hose 18 when it is held thereby. The bias provided by the resiliency of curved portions 189, 190 is such that it will hold hose 18 stationary relative to handle 48 but will not create constriction of the hose. The space 193 between members 187, 188 is at least as long as bracket 81 so that bracket 81 can readily be snapped on that segment of hose 18 disposed between portions 189, 190 and provide a sturdy and convenient location for switch 24 While the principle of the bracket 87 and cooperating members 187, 188 is essentially the same, the operators particular circumstances and taste may lead to a preference of one over the other. Each works successfully when incorporated into my system in the described manner.

Finally, I show in FIG. 13 another development of mine which greatly enhances the desirability of my system. This member, identified at 95, comprises a generally frustoconical body portion 96 which tapers down to an opening 97 through which a short tube 98 is partially inserted in sealed engagement therewith. The extending portion 99 of tube 98 provides a fitting which is readily insertable into an end of flexible hose 18.

The interior surface of body portion 96 is provided with a plurality of generally parallel spaced annular ridges 100 which hold member in a fixed position when the mouth 101 thereof is urged up onto a common water tap. With member 95 in this position, and with hose 18 copulatively joined to portion 99, I can readily pass water through hose 18 and easily clean out my hose when water base paints are used.

Having now described the structure, of my system and its several cooperating components, I will now describe its operation, from the standpoint of both continuous and intermittent conditions. Both conditions are quite common to the average painter and it is therefore considered extremely important that the value of operating with the system herein disclosed, under both conditions, be fully understood and appreciated.

In the operation of my novel system, a can of paint 14 is obtained and is prepared for use in the usual fashion, i.e., shaking or stirring until satisfactory mixing is achieved. Can 14 is then placed in housing 10 in engaging relationship to cut-out portion 13. The lid is removed from can 14 and feed tube 16 placed into the paint. Next, I draw the end of hose 18 over the end of tube 16 and establish communication between the hose 18 and the paint supply in can 14. If desired, hose 18 can be connected to tube 16 before tube 16 is placed in can 14.

Next, I insert segment 36 of hose 18 between impeller 21 and the platen 22 of pumping means and fasten it thereto by suitable securing means (not shown) normally associated with such pumps. In any event, segment 36 will be held in the position relative to pump 20 which I select for it. Next, I join segment 37 to segment 36, or they may be already joined thereto if desired, to complete hose 18. Of course, if a single hose is employed, there will be no Segments to join.

Finally, I attach my desired applicator, such as the roller applicator 45, by inserting its fitting 27 into the adjacent end of hose 18 and positioning clamp 60 thereabout. At this time, I may also locate switch 24 and its mounting bracket 81 at a desirable position on hose 18.

If desired, I may carry applicator 45, or other suitable applicator, and switch 24 separately but I contemplate always that the control, as represented by switch 24, will be on or near the painter, not at the paint container.

Of course, if an extension handle 48 is called for, either of my special mounting arrangements may be used to hold switch 24 in the manner already described.

To commence painting, assuming that the system is assembled, paint is supplied, and connector 23 is plugged into a suitable power source, switch 24 is turned to its on position and the motor driven pumping means 20 commences to act on the external surface of hose 18, which is literally pinched between impeller 21 and platen 22, to create a positive displacement in hose 18 which in turn causes the paint to rise up through the tube 16 into the hose 18 and to be transported therethrough to the paint reservoir 61 of the paint applicator 45. Pump 20 is permitted to run continuously until sufiicient paint reaches paint reservoir 61 of the applicator 45, that is until a slight bleeding of paint through pores 64 onto the surface of the absorbable material 63 is observable.

When the operator has ascertained that the applicator contains sufiicient paint to commence painting, switch 24 is turned to its off position whereupon the motor and hence pump 20 are deactivated. The painter then proceeds to apply paint to the desired work surface with the applicator.

I have found when using the roller 45 that paint flow is obtained immediately on the first or second stroke of the roller. Roller 45 is moved on the work surface to provide a coating conforming to the desired specifications in the normal fashion. The roller can be refilled, even while moving, by the simple expedient of turning switch 24 to its on position until the desired amount of paint is conveyed from the can to the applicator.

It becomes apparent that at no time is it necessary for the painter to return to either the original point-of-purchase container or to the pump so long as there is work surface remaining to be covered with paint. The painter may even continue painting until the paint can is entirely empty by simply standing and moving the roller in contact with the surface to be painted. There is no need to bend or do any extraneous work to reload or otherwise rehandle the paint.

If the inevitable interruption occurs, and it is anticipated to be of short duration, the applicator can be layed upon, or wrapped in, a piece of aluminum foil and nothing further needs to be done. Where, however, the interruption will be substantially more than momentary, it is desirable to disconnect the applicator 45 from the hose 18 by releasing clamp and slipping the end of hose 18 off of fitting 27 and inserting a stopper 40 into the now open end 59 of the hose, or, if preferred, a cap 41 over the end of hose 18. Hose 18 will also be disengaged from feed tube 16 and a closure will also be provided at this end. Feed tube 16 may now he leaned against the inner surface of the paint can 14 and the can resealed. The paint supply is thus maintained in good condition.

The shut-down described highlights the cleanliness of the point-of-purchase container which my system inherently obtains. It is also important to note that hose 18, thus stoppered, can easily be removed from the pump and set aside, and that when used in this manner it provides a highly eflicient interim container. This container has been found to keep paint in a fine workable condition over a period of several months. The arrangement of hose 18 and closures 40, 41, also provides means, when a duplicate set is at hand, to effect quick color changes with minimal inconvenience.

When it is desired to change colors, and a duplicate hose is not available, the operator may detach hose 18 from the applicator fitting 27 and direct end 59 to a position above can 14. Then the operator will disconnect the other end of hose 18 from feed tube 16 so that hose 18 will be open. Then switch 24 is activated and the pump 20 will feed air into and through hose 18. This air flow expells the paint which was contained in hose 18 into can 14. When paint ceases to flow out of hose 18, switch 24 is turned off.

If a complete cleanup is desired, the cleaning attachment 95, shown in FIG. 13, is connected to suitable solvent supply, such for example, a water tap (when water-based paints are used). The internal ridges 100 of body 96 coact with the external surface of the tap (not shown) to secure the body 96 thereto. Next, one end of hose 18 is slipped over tube fitting 99 and the flow of solvent, e.g., water, is directed through the hose to flush out any residual paint remaining therein. As soon as the solvent runs clear, the flow can be stopped because the hose is now clean. When water is the solvent, the output of the flushing action can be led to a waste drain.

When other than water soluble paints are used, a suitable non-aqueous solvent is passed through hose 18 in the following fashion. Feed tube 16 is removed from hose 18 and hose 18 is disconnected from the applicator. Air is forced through the tube by the pump to force the residual paint out of the hose and back into the paint can. When substantially all residual paint is out of the hose, the hose is reconnected to feed tube 16 which is placed in a container of solvent. The other end of the hose, detached from the applicator, is directed to the mouth of the solvent container adjacent tube 16. Hose 18 is left operative in pump 20. The solvent is cycled through the hose by actuating pump 20 and this is continued until the hose is substantially clean. The hose 18 is then disconnected from feed tube 16 while the pump is still running to permit air to enter the hose behind the solvent and urge the remaining solvent back to its container. When all of the solvent has been evacuated from the hose, the pump is deactivated and the hose is removed from the pumping mechanism. The hose may now be coiled and stored.

When my edging applicator is employed, the general operation of my system is substantially the same as that described for the roller applicator 45, that is, paint is fed from the point-of-purchase container 14 through the feed tube 16, hose 18, and nipple to the paint reservoir 71 in the applicator which, in this instance, is defined by plaque 67, frame 68 and plate 69. Paint in reservoir 71 permeates through foraminous plaque 67 into the absorbable material 66 for application to the desired work surface. The operator can continue working this applicator as long as desired, or until his can of paint is empty, without once dipping the edger into fresh paint.

In cleaning the applicators, both are uniquely designed to be readily dismantled and washed in a suitable solvent. Both have a minimum of interior surfaces which are contacted by paint and thereby have only a minimal surface to be washed. Thus, both applicators permit cleanup to be quickly and easily effected.

It is of course understood that while the present system has been described in terms of paint and painting, the system is equally suited to the application of other coating liquids such as poster paints, inks, glues, waxes, shellac, japans, varnishes and like flowable liquids. It is my intent that it be used therewith.

From the foregoing, it is apparent that a new and highly useful painting system, and attachments for use therewith, has been herein described and illustrated and that my system fulfills all of the aforestated objectives to a remarkably unexpected extent. It is further understood that such modifications, applications and variations of the structures and systems herein described and illustrated, as may readily occur to the artisan confronted with this disclosure, are intended to be embraced within the spirit of this invention especially as it is defined by the scope of the claims appended hereto.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A system for transporting paint from a paint container to a work surface comprising: a non-collapsible tubular feed member insertable into the paint container; a manually manipulatable internally fed paint applicator; a flexible hose having a compressible section and opera tively interconnected between said feed member and said paint applicator for supplying paint to said applicator at a location remote from said container; electrically controlled peristaltic pumping means operatively associated with an external surface of said hose section intermediate said feed member and said paint applicator and actuatable to establish a transverse constriction in said hose section and to move said constriction along said hose section toward said applicator whereby paint in the container, in response to the movement of said constriction along said hose section, is flowed from said container to said applicator; electrical control means including switch means for selectively actuating said pumping means; and means for attaching said switch means to said hose in the vicinity of said paint applicator.

2. A system according to claim 1 in which said feed member is a discrete tube having an axial length greater than the original fill level of said container but not greater than the linear dimension between a point defined by the intersection of the base of the container with its side wall and a point furthermost therefrom on the inner edge of the rim circumscribing the mouth of the container.

3. A system according to claim 1 having a housing into which said paint container and said pumping means are disposed and which maintains said container and said pumping means stationary relative to each other.

4. A system according to claim 1 in which said control means includes electrical conductor means for operatively interconnecting said switch means and said pumping means.

5. A painting system according to claim 1 in which said hose has operatively associated with each end thereof, a closure member removably attachable thereto.

6. A system according to claim 5 in which at least one of said closure members comprises an elongated cylindrical plug removably insertable into said end of said hose in sealing engagement therewith.

7. A system according to claim 5 in which at least one of said closure members comprises a cylindrical cap having a cylindrical flange for circumscribing said end of said hose in sealing engagement therewith.

8. A painting system according to claim 5 adapted to sustain interruption in which one of said closure members is disposed in sealing engagement with each end of said hose while said feed members and said paint applicator are disconnected therefrom.

9. A system according to claim 1 in which said paint applicator has a nipple portion for insertion into an open end of said hose, and including a spring biased clamp for detachably clamping said hose to said nipple portion in sealing engagement.

10. A system according to claim 9 in which said clamp comprises a continuous element of wire preformed into an open-ended figure eight to define a generally circular portion and a U-shaped portion, the area of said circular portion being enlargeable in response to squeezing together the sides of the U-shaped portion and vice versa.

11. A painting system according to claim 1 in which said paint applicator comprises a paint applying surface, a paint reservoir, a paint permeable foraminous separator operatively interposed between said surface and said reservoir and supporting said surface, and a passageway for conducting paint into said reservoir.

12. A painting system according to claim 11 in which said paint applicator comprises an open-ended cylindrical tube, a paint absorbable fabric disposed circumferentially about said tube, first and second circular end plates insert- *able one each into each of said open ends of said tube and coacting with said tube to define a reservoir therebetween, each of said end plates having a hole defined centrally therethrough, and a frame member having a handle portion, a connecting portion, an intermediate portion, and an axle portion, said axle portion extending through said holes in said end plates and coacting therewith to hold said tube axially stationary relative thereto while permitting rotation thereabout, said axle portion having an axial passage defined therein and plurality of radially extending apertures defined therethrough to establish communication between said passage and said reservoir, said intermediate port-ion joining said axle portion to said handle portion, said intermediate portion having a passageway defined therethrough communicative with said passage in said axle portion, and said connecting portion having a hose engaging nipple defining a passage extending therethrough into communicative relationship to said passage way.

13. A painting system according to claim 11 in which said paint applicator comprises a rectangular paint permeable pad, a rectangular foraminous plaque carrying said pad, and a rectangular back plate cooperating with said plaque to define a paint reservoir therebetween, said back plate having a passageway defined therethrough for conducting paint into said reservoir.

14. A painting system according to claim 13 in which said back plate has hollow nipple member extending rearwardly therefrom defining said passageway and receiving said hose in copulative relationship therewith.

15. A painting system according to claim 13 comprising a resilient rectangular frame operatively interposed between said back plate and said plaque in sealed engagemen't therewith.

16. A system according to claim 1 in which said applicator includes an elongated handle having means operatively associated therewith for receiving and holding said hose in fixed position relative thereto, said hose receiving means comprising at least one member engaging said hose and coacting with said handle to restrain said hose from movement away from said handle.

17. A system according to claim 16 in which said hose receiving means comprises a mounting bracket disposed upon said handle and having first and second pairs of spaced flange members, said pairs of members being dis posed in spaced axial relationship to each other, each member of each pair coacting with the other member of said pair to receive and hold a portion of said hose in substantially fixed parallel relationship to the longitudinal axis of said handle.

18. A system according to claim 1 in which said switch attaching means comprises means on said switch means for detachably securing the switch means to said hose.

19. A painting system according to claim 18 in which said switch means includes a housing, and said switch attaching means comprises first and second resilient flanges connected to said housing and extending therefrom in spaced relationship to each other whereupon said flanges clip on a portion of said hose without impairing the flow of paint therethrough and coact therewith to fix said switch means axially relative thereto.

20. A system according to claim 18 in which said applicator includes an elongated handle having means opera tively associated therewith for receiving and holding said hose in fixed position relative thereto, said hose receiving means comprising at least one member engaging said hose and coacting with said handle to restrain said hose from movement away from said handle, said switch attaching means being adapted for securing said switch means to said hose adjacent said handle.

21. A system according to claim 1 in which said hose includes an additional section between said compressible section and said paint applicator, said additional section having suflicient rigidity to avoid autogenous pumping upon deactuation of said pumping means.

22. A system according to claim 21 in which said feed member is a discrete tube having an axial length greater than the original fill level of said container but not greater than the linear dimension between a point defined by the intersection of the base of the container with its side wall and a point furthermost therefrom on the inner edge of the rim circumscribing the month of the container.

, 16 7 References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 11/1'931' Howe l5547 9/1957 Buterbaugh 15302 1/1966 'Flippen 15- 503 9/1966 Franklin 15-29 U.S. c1. X.R. 

